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LATHALAING OFW. Eid Mubarak! Tara maglugaw po tayo!

Lugaw (rice porridge) is a Filipino dish traditionally thought of as a soft food for people with illnesses or recuperating from a medical condition. But lugaw is enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, and when you’re sick, even as a meal in itself. Some meat is added to the rice for nutritional value. Chicken bones and ginger are favorite ingredients.

Some years ago, it was EID 2013, I cooked this rice porridge because I had a few cups of rice remaining in my bucket that should last me till the end of the month. While others were enjoying their food overflowing for the feast.

I am not a Muslim but also went fasting during Ramadan, not because I wanted to, but it just so happened that I have to send all my salary for school fees of my three children back home; as well for their food, house rent, books and school projects among others.

When Ramadan was over, people feasted for Eid Al Fitr. But still I could not break my fast because I needed to wait till the end of the month for my salary.

The Muslim word is once again celebrating Eid. Someone reminded me of my 2013 experience. A mother and her 6-year-old son have the same fate I had back then.

I asked her why she always cook rice porridge and only with salt. She said it eas all she’d like to have. I have a feeling though that she was just denying her true reason behind; I saw a few cups of rice in a bucket under her bed. And still she has not received her Dh1000 salary from her Dilipino madam. (She’s a domestic helper). I know it’s never likely that her son would like to have that food for five consecutive days.

Her Dh1000 salary was divided in this order: Dh500 for her rent; Dh300 to be sent home and Dh200 for her and her son. I know the feeling of having very short money at hand. I can say also it’s nice to have a porridge with salt but the boy cannot deny his stomach. I shared my food with them whenever I have.

We are one of many expats here in the UAE who work hard for our families back home; and go on fast during Ramadan because we needed to and have lugaw on our table on Eid Al Fitr.

But still, we are grateful that we are given chance to work here and send our hard earned money to home. Happy Eid to all.

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